FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) has been working in conjunction with ETRA and ACEM on the campaign on reduced VAT rates for protective clothing, helmets
and replacement visors..
Motorcycle helmets which are currently zero rated only in the UK are no longer included in the list of goods under Directive 77/388/EEC the list is being reviewed by 2004
by member states.
FEMA have started the ball rolling by contacting the European Commissioner concerned and a position paper outlining on the issues.
Riders in Europe would gain a price
decrease and UK riders would not face the increase of VAT.
Other items affected in the UK include industrial safety footwear and helmets, cycle helmets and children’s clothing.
If helmets are compulsory then why be forced to pay VAT? More in the next issue!
